Alternative to '6 for track days

[Mr Footlong]

I drove the S3 for the first time today since all the upgrades and I have to say that I am underwhelmed. The engine is a lot noisier than the cupra but that is nothing really. It just feels dull and lifeless in comparison, disappointed. Got out and took the Cupra out in this nasty weather and as per usual it was a hoot. Managed to torque steer the S3 a few times which I wasn't expecting.

Another tick in the box for keeping the cupra as I genuinely think that it will be a far better/rewarding track car. Stick in a custom LSD and a bigger turbo and I think I might be in heaven. Rattly heaven but heaven none the less.

[Mr V10]

I like the raspy sound of the M in-line 6. Very distinctive and presses buttons in the primordial part of the cortex.

Amar, I should be picking it up before the end of the year, subject to positive outcome from inspection, etc.

No mods planned. The only thing I would do if I turned out to use it seriously on the track would be to strip it out and put a roll cage in, but I've justified the purchase as a run-around car, too, so I'd better wait for a bit before I do that.

Same, I didn't used to like the metallic sort of noise a few years back, but now I'm sold on it, and I'm gutted they are phasing the naturally aspirated straight six out. Amanda had Grizz fit a Milltek on her E46 M3, she reckons it transformed the noise from OEM. I love how far back (behind the front axle) the engine is on these, I remember servicing my old 4.2 A8 and then my 328I on the same day I and it felt like I had to crawl halfway under the car compared to the Audi to get to the sump nut, they are properly balanced, and the totally the opposite of the Audi, the engine in them might as well be resting on the front bumper. The Harmon Kardon is quite decent too on the E46, better than the C5’s Bose. My Harmon Kardon always rattled parcel shelf though... I have a feeling you're going to be very happy with it.
P.S What tyres are on it?

Footers - A friend of mine has an S3, he had it mapped and put on coilovers and I took it for a drive, and too, was underwhelmed, my plus was standard then too. Do you think it is because the S3 is better insulated versus the Seat, or is the quattro stopping your fun?

[Shoppinit]

The Harmon Kardon is quite decent too on the E46, better than the C5’s Bose.

Completely disagree with this. The Harman Kardon on my mate's M3 convertible is what I would call just about bearable. The Bose in the RS6 is leagues in front. I dread to think what the non-Harman Kardon stereo is like.

Not sure what tyres it's on. Bit of an impulse buy...

[Mr Footlong]

Agreed, the Harmon kardon full setup in the jag was pants in comparison to the Bose in the 6. Hated it.

[amanda1]

The Harmon Kardon is quite decent too on the E46, better than the C5’s Bose.

Completely disagree with this. The Harman Kardon on my mate's M3 convertible is what I would call just about bearable. The Bose in the RS6 is leagues in front. I dread to think what the non-Harman Kardon stereo is like.

Not sure what tyres it's on. Bit of an impulse buy...

You will be fine with a milteck on it nice to see you have joined the club

[Mr V10]

I've had an E46 Coupe with and without Harmon Kardon, the one in the coupe is miles better than the C5 IMO, really bassy which I like. Maybe the cab is different.

[Mr Footlong]

NHN, through means that he isn't currently 100% sure of, gave me a fair bit more base as I think that lower frequencies are not being bypassed from going to the main speakers, meaning that they are producing bass as well as the Bose sub. I have a fair old bit of audio oomph in there now imo. The Jag had the full HK works including sub(s) and it was cack. No real depth or power at all.

[Shoppinit]

*bass

Normally putting low frequencies through mid range speakers sounds poo. Much better to filter at the source and send the appropriate frequencies to the different drivers.

[Mr Footlong]

I have done a few car stereo upgrades in my lifetime dear, crossovers, components, all that guff . Whatever he did (ran out of time and has 1/2 wires spare currently)/didn't connect sounds fine to me but I like oodles of bass so there you go.

[amanda1]

I like the raspy sound of the M in-line 6. Very distinctive and presses buttons in the primordial part of the cortex.

Amar, I should be picking it up before the end of the year, subject to positive outcome from inspection, etc.

No mods planned. The only thing I would do if I turned out to use it seriously on the track would be to strip it out and put a roll cage in, but I've justified the purchase as a run-around car, too, so I'd better wait for a bit before I do that.

This is the beemer with the milltek on ..................I think it sounds soo much better you still get the rasp but it's not so bumble bee in a jar sound!

[Mr Footlong]

Any idea when the inspection s being done Shopp? I am now "this" close to keeping the Cupra. I had to drive it a few times this week, including some A-B road stuff yesterday with lots of moron fodder to get around and now that I have got used to the wheel spin on demand, the tyres that want me dead, the uncomfortable seats and the rattles, I just love it to bits as it is a total blast to drive.

So quick and easy to flick around and oustanding when Eagles are on it, will probably not cost much to maintain (subject to not exploding the engine) and I can take it to the track (hell, if I modified it enough I would be up for a ring trip in it) and it will do a fairly good job on there I reckon. Madam is going to kill me when she sees this. If you do read this dear, even mother dearest thinks I should keep the car so there.

[Shoppinit]

It should have been done. It's been MOT'd and PDI'd apparently. I'm checking it over on the 27th, then picking it up on the 30th / 31st. Will hoon about like a moron with my M3 convertible fwweend to see how much quicker the coupé is.

I'm looking forward to having a car I can not care so much about. If that makes any sense. Though no doubt I will end up taking it under my wing.

[HYFR]

Footers...I'm feeling your love for the Cupra ...my Ibiza is same engine, but I'm a few kilo lighter..iv got LSD and all the shizzle...hit 150mph GPS on the way to the Ring in 888s in the wet! It had more but I pussied it

It did 10laps of the ring and was epic





Until the turbo blew up

[Mr Footlong]

Footers...I'm feeling your love for the Cupra ...my Ibiza is same engine, but I'm a few kilo lighter..iv got LSD and all the shizzle...hit 150mph GPS on the way to the Ring in 888s in the wet! It had more but I pussied it

It did 10laps of the ring and was epic





Until the turbo blew up

I can only just about fit properly in the Cupra, I dread to think what the little Ibiza would be like. Wavetrac or Quaife? I really need to sort out the wheel spinning/minimize it at least so I can use the more more readily when moving off. I am perfectly capable ot balancing the clutch but would rather minimize having to do that. Handling benifits are bonus but not essential as I like them slide-happy.

[HYFR]

Quaife lsd...it's awesome finding grip out of the corners

But straight line it still spins up on demand

On 888s in the wet it would spin in 3rd gear